Apparatus for condensing or cooling fluids.



Patentad Doc. 23,1902.

. W. S. GOLWELL. APPARATUS FOR CURBENSING 0R COOLING FLUIDS.

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' Patented Dec. 23, I902. W. S. CDLWELL. APPARATUS FOR GONDENSING 0BCOOLING FLUIDS.

(Application filed Jan. 80, 1902.)

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APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING 0R COOLING FLUIDS.

(Application filed Jan. 80, 1902.) (No Model.) 4 Sheets-Sheet 4.

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llniirnn STATES Parent @rrrcE.

"WILLIAM S. COLWVELL, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING OR COOLING FLUIDS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 716,383, d t d D mb 23,1902.

Application filed January 30,1902. Serial No. 91,904. (No model.)

T0 at whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, WILLIAM S. CoLWnLL, a citizen of the United States,residing at Chicago, in the county of Cook and State of Illinois, haveinvented a certain new and useful- Improvement in Apparatus forCondensing or Cooling Fluids, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to an apparatus for condensing steam and othervaporous fluids and for cooling fluids or liquids. With reference, forexample, to the condensation of steam in an apparatus characterized bythe principles and several features of my invention the steam is takenfrom any suitable source of supply and conducted to acondensing-chamber, wherein it is condensed. steam thus obtained fromthe source of supply is cooled in an expanded condition within thecondensing-chamber. As a means for cooling or reducing the temperatureof the expanded condensing steam the condensingchamber is provided withconfining devices, such as a tube or pipe system, adapted to conductcurrents of relatively cool air saturated with a cooling liquid throughthe condensing-chamber and to so confine these currents of air thussaturated with a cooling liquid as to prevent the same from beingdischarged into the body of expanded condensing steam. Means are alsoprovided whereby the currents of air thus saturated with a coolingliquid shall be caused or induced to move rapidly through thiscooling-pipe system, and hence rapidly and effectively absorb heat fromthe steam within the condensing-chamber.

As a matter of further improvement the cooling system comprises a seriesof pipes extending through the condensing-chamber and arranged toreceive at one end of the set a supply of external air which isrelatively cooler than the steam, the rapid passage of the air throughthe pipes being secured by an exhaust-fan at the opposite end of theset, and in order to saturate the relatively cool air-currents with arelatively cool liquid, so as to further reduce the temperature of theair-currents, a liquid-spraying device is arranged in opposition to theseries or collection of receiving ends of the pipes and adapted to spraythe liquid into the inflowing currents of air. The saturated air whichthus passes The,

through the pipes becomes heated to the ex taken up by steam fromthesource ofsupply to the condenser. a portion of the heated vapor whichissues from the cooling system can be conducted to On the other hand,all or any desired point or points and utilized for heating purposes. Inorder to increase the general efficiency of the apparatus, the steam onits way from the source of supply to the coi'idensing-chamber isadmitted into a dis tributing-chamber. The steam expands to some extentwithin this distributing-chamber, and the latter is provided with meanswhereby the flow of steam through such chamber can be retarded oraccelerated at will, so as to vary the pressure in accordance withrequirements and conditions, and as a matter of further improvement thesteam passing through the distributing-chamber can be variably deflectedtoward difierent points of outlet with which the distributing-ohamber isprovided. In order to more effectively expand the steam and permit it tocirculate about and around the cooling-tubes in an expanded condition,an expanding-chamber is arranged between the distributing and condensingchambers, and as a simple, compact, and highly eflicient arrangement thecooling-pipe system can be arranged within the lower portion of thecondensing-chamber, whereby a portion of such chamber above thecooling-pipe system can be utilized as an expanding-chamber. The waterof condensation can be drawn 0% from the condensing-chamber and usedwhile whereby any scum or the like floating upon the water ofcondensation within the condensing-chamber will not pass out therefromwith the outflow of water.

Objects of my invention are to secure an effective distribution of steamwithin the condensing-chambercontainingacooling system, to accelerateand retard the flow and distribution of the steam in accordance withrequirements or conditions, to vary the expansion of the steam on itsway to the condensing-chamber, to provide for the cooling-pipe system aminimum supply of spraywater having a maximum efficiency, to avoid wasteof the spray-water, to secure a highly effective expansion of the steampassing into the condensing-chamber, to supply the cooling system withcurrents of vapor formed by saturating currents of relative cool airwith relatively cool liquid, to subsequently reclaim the liquid thusemployed, and where water is thus employed and the apparatus is used forcondensing steam to permit the water thus reclaimed to be taken up bythe main supply of steam passing from a suitable source of supply to thecondenser, to utilize the heated vapor from a cooling-pipe system forother and various purposes when so desired, to use the water ofcondensation while in a heated condition or to divert the water ofcondensation from its normal outgoing passage and rapidly andeffectively cool it by means employed for fdrming currents of saturatedair within the main cooling system, to utilize exhaust-steam and to freeit from oil and other impurities while on its way to the condenser,

to also free the main supply of steam from lime or other foreignmatters, to permit the water of condensation to be drawn off from thecondensing-chamber in a pure condition, to avoid waste of heat, toprovide a construction of apparatus which can be readily taken apart andcleaned, to provide compact and highly efficient construction ofapparatus, to provide a distributing chamber or passage having anadjustable or variable capacity for the flow and distribution of steam,to adapt the apparatus whereby it can be adjusted for condensing steamor other vapors or for cooling fluids or liquids, and to provide certainnovel and improved matters of construction, detail, combination, andarrangement, substantially as hereinafter set forth.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 represents in side elevation aconstruction of condensing apparatus embodying the principles of myinvention. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section taken on a vertical centralplane through said apparatus with the exhaust-fan and pipe or stacktherefrom omitted. Fig. 3 is a transverse section through the upperportion of the apparatus on line 3 3 in Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 represents a portion of the main steamsupply pipe E, partly inlongitudinal section and partly in elevation, and also shows inlongitudinal section a vaporizing-chamber arranged around a portion ofsaid steam-supply pipe. .Fig. 5 is an end elevation of the apparatuswith the spray device removed and showing the oil-separator R in sectionon line 5 5 in Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a section on a horizontal plane througha device for cooling the water of condensation. Fig. 7 isadetailshowingin end elevation and on a larger scale than in Fig. 5 a portion of theseries of flared receiving ends of the tubes or pipes for the coolingpipe or tube system. Fig. 8 is a detail showing, partly in section andpartly in elevation, a hollow guard which is arranged relatively to theoutlet for the condensingchamber to prevent floating scum from passingthrough such outlet, a portion of one wall of said hollow guard orshield being broken away for convenience of illustration. Fig. 9represents in perspective one of the hollow cones of the oil-separatorB. Fig. 10 is a perspective View of one of the end portions of thecooling-tubes. Fig. 11 is a longitudinal section, on a vertical centralplane, through the main casing and illustrates another form of valveddistributing chamber. Fig. 12 shows an apertured slide adapted to form avalve or cut-off for the upper apertured portion of thedistributing-chamber. Fig. 13 shows an apertured slide adapted to form avalve or cut-off for the apertured base or bot tom of thedistributing-chamber. Fig. 14: is a section through thedistributing-chamber on line 00 a: in Fig. 11.

Referring to the first ten figures of the drawings, the shell or casingA contains a series of communicating chambers which progressivelyconstitute a distributing-chamber B, an expanding-chamber O, and acondensingchamber D. The steam or fluid supply pipe E, Figs. 1 and 4,can be connect-ed with a suitable boiler or generator and is suitablyextended to provide a steam or fluid conducting passage which connectswith one end of the distributing-chamber B. The expanding-chamber O isarranged between the distributing-chamber and the condensing-chamber,and the latter is provided with a series of pipesll, which extendthrough the condensing-chamber and open externally thereto, whereby thecooling agent or agents employed may pass through and cool the pipes,and thereby secure rapid condensation within the condensing-chamber. Aspraying device F, which is understood to be connected with somesuitable source of Water-supply, is arranged opposite the inlet ends ofthe cooling-pipes 11, Fig. 2, and the opposite outlet ends of such pipesare arranged to discharge into a hood or chamber G, which connects withan exhaust-fan II. By this arrangement relatively cool air-currentsinduced through the cooling-tubes will take up and carry the relativelycool liquid which is primarily directed by the spraying device towardthe inlet ends of the tubes. The water which is thus taken up by the airand carried through and discharged from the tubes in the form of vaporcan be reclaimed and taken up by the steam-supply passing to thecondensing portion of the apparatus when steam is used, and to such endI provide a drip-trap I, which serves to collect the reclaimed water andfrom which the water is taken by the passing steam-supply in regulatedquantities.

With reference to the construction illustrated, the stcam-supply pipe Eis provided with a steam-throttle valve 12 for establishing and cuttingoff the flow of steam and with a weighted or other automaticregulating-valve 13 for controlling the supply of steam to the condenserand insuring a uniform flow and pressure in accordance with the workrequired. At a point between the valves 12 and 13 the main steam-supplypipe or passage connects with a similar branch pipe 14, forming alateral passage, which is provided with an ejector 15 for taking up thedripwater, and in order to insure a proper supply of drip-water to theejector the latter is provided with a cook 16, which is automaticallyoperated by a float 17, arranged within the drip-trap. The branch pipeorpassage 14 connects with and takes steam from the main supply pipeorpassage, so as tosupply the ejector, and thereby take up thedrip-water and dis charge into a vaporizing-chamber K, where thedrip-water is vaporized. This vaporizingcha mber K is preferably form edaround a portion of the main steam-s11 pply pipe or passage and isextended, as at 18, Fig. 4, so as to surround a perforated portion 19 ofthe main steam-supply pipe or passage, in which way the vapor fromchamber K, which surrounds a portion of the heated main steam-supplypipe or passage, will enter the latter and there mingle with the passingsteam-supply.

The chamber of the hood G, into which vapor from the cooling-pipes isdischarged, is provided with a drip-pipe 20 for conducting from thehood-chamber to the drip-trap such water as may collect within thehoodchamber. The exhaust -fan chamber also connects by suitable pipe orpassage 21 with an exhaust-head L, comprising a suitable drum or casingcontaining a rotary spiral partition 22, Fig. 5, arranged to form aspiral passage in continuation of the exhaust-passage through the pipe21. By such arrangement the vapor passing through the exhaust head orcollector L will condense upon the spiral partition, from which latterthe water can pass through lateral openings in the exhausthead to andthrough corresponding openings in a drippipe M, which is arranged todischarge into the drip-trap. The residue of heated vapor passing outfrom the exhausthead can be discharged into the open air, or

, it can be diverted through any suitable arrangement of branch pipe orpipes and employed for heating purposes. As illustrated, theexhaust-head connects with lateral branches 23 24, having a valve 25arranged at their point of junction, whereby the heated vapor can becaused to pass through either branch.

The distributing-chamber B is provided with perforated wall portions andis relatively of less transverse superficial area than the transversearea of the upperinteriorportion of the casing A, thereby permitting thedistributing-chamber to discharge into a space or chamber portion whichmerges into the expanding-chamber C. In the arrangement shown thedistributing-chamber is, in effect, located within the upper portion ofthe chamber O, which said chamber has its up per portion contracted byreason of the presence of the distributing-chamber. As a preferredconstruction the distributing-chamber is formed by an oblongtransversely-segmental shell or casing having a bottom 26 and aperforated arch-shaped upper portion 27, as in Fig. 3, in which thebottom wall 26 of the chamber is imperforate. l/Vith such arrangementthe top portion of easing A may correspond in form with the upperarch-shaped portion of the distributing-chamber, so as to leave betweenthe two a transversely-segmental space or passage which mergesdownwardly into the e'xpandingchamber G. The form of thisdistributing-chamber may, however, be varied without departing from thespiritof my invention.

The distributing-chamber B is provided with means for retarding oraccelerating the flow of steam and for varying the distribution thereofin accordance with requirements. As an effective arrangement lhedistributingchamber contains a series of adjustable defiectorsconsisting of vibratory perforated segment-plates 28, which arealternately hinged within upper and lower portions of the distributingchamber. These perforated defiectors can be set at any desired angle forthe purpose of varying the flow of steam, and to such end they can beadjusted by a longitudinally-movable controlling-rod 29, arranged toextend through slots 30 in the deflectingplates and provided with stopsor pins 31 at opposite sides of such plates. The rod 29 is shownextending through a pipe-section 32 (which is a continuation of the mainsteamsupply pipe) and passing out through a stuffing-box 33. The rodthus arranged is operated by a lever 34, supported upon the main casing,and this lever can be locked in desired position by any suitable latchdevice-for eX- ample, by a pin 35 and a perforated segment 36 on themain casing. The distributingchamber has an imperforate end Wall37 (withthe exception of an opening to which the supply-pipe section 32 isfitted) and is removable from the casing A, so that it can be taken outand freed from lime and other deposits which may collect upon thedeflecting-plates and its inner wall. To such end, therefore, the maincasing is provided with internally-arranged bars 38, which support theremovable distributing-chamber and upon which the latter can slide. Withsuch arrangement the &

end wall 39 of the main casing will have a suitable opening for theinsertion and removal of the distributing-chamber.

The expanding-chamber C may simply comprise the portion of the spacewithin the main or condenser casing which is intermediate of the upperand lower portions, respectively, occupied by the distributing-chamberand the cooling-tubes, in which way a compact arrangement is secured. Inorder to insure the passage of steam between the tubes in place ofbetween the collective body of tubes and the inner wall of the main orcondenser casing A, deflectors 40 are arranged within the latter andconveniently formed by angleirons bolted to the inner longitudinal sidesof the casing. The receiving ends of the cooling-tubes are outwardlyflared or provided with tube-sections 41, which are fitted within thetubes and formed with outwardly-flaring months 42, which receive thespray. The outer terminal portions of these flaring months or ends forthe cooling-tubes are formed to fit closely together in groups orseries, as illustrated in Fig. 5. rangement there will be no gaps orspaces between the juxtaposed outer terminal portions of the flaringmouths 42, and hence the tubes, which are separated to permit thecirculation of steam between and around their portions within thecondenser, will present to the spray a collection of expanded receivingends arranged without intervening spaces. In this way the spray will becollected by the tubes without waste, and hence a minimum quantity ofspray-water can be used. In order to increase the efficiency of theseexpanded end portions of the tubes, their lower sides 43 are desirablyarranged in planes parallel or substantially parallel with thelongitudinally-extending passages through the tubes, so that spray-waterwhich falls upon these lower sides 43 of the expanded tube ends will bereadily carried into the tubes .by the inflowing currents of air.

The condensing-chamber is connected with a pipe N for the outflow of thewater of condensation. In order to prevent any scum or floating mattersfrom flowing out of the condenser with the water of condensation, theentrance to such discharge pipe or passage is arranged to open into ashield 0, Fig. 8, adapted to form a chamber which is closed at its sidesand top and formed with an open bottom which is positioned near thebottom of the condensing-chamber, so as to leave between the two apassage which .will be below the surface of a body of water within thecondensing-chamber. The outer pipe N is provided with a cook or valve44, Fig. 1, whereby it can be opened and closed, and at a point betweenthe valve 44 and the receiving end of said pipe N,I connect with thelatter a branch pipe P,which extends upwardly from the pipe N and thenlaterally, so as to connect with a cooling device Q, Figs. 2 and 6,whereby the water of condensation can be further cooled With such arbythe cooling device or apparatus and then discharged from the latter byan outlet-pipe 45. The cooling device Q comprises a chamber which isarranged below the set of coolingtubes and provided with a tortuouspassage for the flow of water. The walls of the chamber of this coolingdevice are subjected to the cooling vapor formed by the conjunction ofspray from the spray device and currents of air introduced by theexhaust-fan, and to such end the cooling device Q may consist of a flat,shallow, closed casing 46, containing a series oflongitudinally-arranged partitions 47, which alternately terminate shortof opposite end portions of the casing, so as to form tortuous passage48, connecting at one end with an inlet-pipe P and connecting at itsopposite end with an outlet-pipe 45. The cooling device,which is, ineffect, a fiat coil of pipe or a pipe bent to form a series of reversebends, is arranged within a space formed between the bottom 49 of thecondenser-casing A and a partition 50, which is arranged to ,form abottom for the condensing-chamber D, which said space is of sufficientdepth to leave longitudinal passages 51 respectively above and below thecooling device. These passages open at their ends through opposite sidesof the casing A, the ends of said passages at one end of the casingbeing arranged to receive spray from the spraying device and to take inair and their opposite ends being arranged to open into the hood G. Bythis arrangement the valve 44 can be closed, and the water ofcondensation from the condensing-chamber will thereupon flow through thetrap formed by the pipes N and P and thence into and through the coolingdevice, in which latter the water will be cooled, so as to render itserviceable for uses requiring water of a temperature lower than thewater normally passing out through the discharge-pipe N.

The condensing-chamber can be provided at opposite sides with-hand-holeswhich normally close by hand-hole plates, one of such plates 52 beingillustrated in Fig. 1. Exhaust-steam from the generator for engine mayalso be admitted to the condenser, and thereby utilized, and in order tofree the exhaust-steam from impurities preparatory to its admission intothe condenser the apparatus is provided with an oil-separator R,comprising a nest or series of hollow cones 53, arranged one withinanother and held apart by suitable connections, so as to leave spaces orpassages between them. The cones 53 are arranged within a casing 54,having an open end which is secured opposite one end of thedistributing-chamber B and having its opposite end 55 connected with avalved supplypipe S and arranged to leave space or passage between saidend portion and the outermost hollow cone. These hollow cones 53 areeach provided with an opening 56, which said openings are alternately atopposite sides of the series of hollow cones, so as to insurecirculation of the exhaust through the passages formed by these hollowcones. \Vith such arrangement the end wall 57 of thedistributing-chamber Bis perforated, so as to permit such chamber toreceive the exhaust from the oil-separator. The oil-separator is alsoprovided withalower drip-trap or oil-receiver 58, into which oilcollecting upon the surfaces of the hollow cones may pass throughopenings 59 in the lower portion of the shell or casing 54. The trap orreceiver 58 is also provided with avalvedoutlet-pipe T, through whichthe oil may be discharged. The conical end portion 55 of the casingwhich contains the hollow cones is detachably bolted or secured to theremaining portion of the casing, as at 60, and the hollow cones arebolted together in any suitable way, as at 61, whereby the said casingcan be opened and the hollow cones removed, separated, and cleaned.

In using an apparatus as hereinbefore described steam from the boiler istaken by pipe E, having a regulatingwalve 13, whereby the flow andpressure of steam is regulated. A portion of the steam thus admitted toand passing along the main supply-pipe E passes through the ejector15,where it takes up water from the drip-trap I and thence passes along thevaporizing-chamber K to the point it enters the main steam supply orpassage through the perforated portion 19 of said pipe, the steam fromthe vaporizing-chamber K entering the main supply pipe or passage atsaid point and mingling with the passing main supply of steam which isconducted to the distributing-chamber B of the condenser. The steamwhich enters the distributingchamber expands proportionally to the areaof such chamber, the number and size of the perforations which form itsoutlets, and the adjustment of the deflectors 23. The steam coming intocontact with these perforated deflectors passes through and around andis distributed evenly throughout the distributing-chamber and depositslime or other foreign substances both on the deflecting-plates and onthe bottom of the distributing-chamber. The adjustment of thesedeflectingplates also serves to check or accelerate the flow of steaminto the condenser, as may be desired-as, for example, when it isdesired to admit steam intothe condenser ata great-er pressure thedeflecting-plates may be tilted toward an upright position by drawingthe rod 29 outwardly, and when itis desired to admit steam into thecondenser at a lower pressure the deflecting-plates can be tilted towarda lon gitudinal position by pushing the rod 29 inwardly, it beingunderstood that the pressure will increase proportionally to theincrease of obstruction presented in opposition to its flow and that bylessening the obstruction presented the pressure will be lowered. Inthis way an even distribution of steam can be secured throughout thedistributing-chamber, and hence an even distribution of steam can besecured throughout the condenser, it being observed that the more eventhe distribution of steam the better are the results attained. It willbe seen, therefore, that the deflecting-plates can be adjusted so as toprovide the passage-way within the distributingchamber with transverse.partitions separating such passage-way into compartments whichcommunicate one with another only through the perforations in thedeflectingplates, and also that these deflecting-plates can be adjustedso as to leave spaces between their edges and the inner wall of thedistributing-chamber, also that these spaces between the edge portionsof the deflectingplates and the inner wall of the distributingchambercan be varied in area by suitably adjusting the deflecting-plates, andthat they thereby form variable openings between the portions of thedistributing-chamber which areintermediateofthedeflecting-plates. Thedistributing-chamber extends over the condensing-chamber, as well asover the iutervening expansion-chamber C, and has its side and top wallportions provided with perforations or apertures, which are distributedalong the length of the distributing-chamber, and in this way steam willbe distributed over the entire cooling-pipe system. Thedistributing-chamber therefore provides a passage along which the steamis conducted and from which the steam is distributed at diderent pointsalong its length. This passage-Way, which is thus formed by thedistributingchamber, is, in effect, provided with a valve system formedby the adjustable deflectors and adapted for varying the area of suchpassage-way or passage, it being manifest that these deflecting-platesmay subdivide the said passage-way and that they can be adjusted to varythe area of ports or openings between the portions of thepassage-wayintermediate of such deflecting-plates. The steam from thedistributing-chamber passes into' and is further expanded within theexpanding-chamber O, and by reason of the pressure above and a lesspressure below the steam is caused to pass downwardly between and aroundthe tubes 11 until it is condensed. The rapidlyflowing vapor withinthese tubes absorbs the heat given up by the condensing steam, and thisheat may by a suitable arrangement of pipes be transmitted to theboiler-furnace or utilized for heating purposes, or it may simply passout into the open air, as may be desired. The water of condensationwhich flows out from the pipe N may be allowed to pass the valve 44 andused as desired-as, for example, for feedwaie.r for boilers or for anyother purpose where high temperature is needed. The water ofcondensation may, however, be caused to pass through the cooling deviceQ by closing the valve 4:4, in which way the water will be cooled, sothat it can be used for domestic or other purposes involving thedesideratu m of cooler water. The exhaust-steam from an engine-pump orother steam-using device can be permitted to pass through theoil-separator R, where it will be freed from oil or other foreignsubstances,and from such oil-separator the exhaust will pass into thedistributing-chamber, where it will follow the course hereinbeforedescribed in connection with the supply of live steam.

It will be apparent that during the operation of the foregoingdescribedcondenser the water of condensation may be taken at two or moredifferent temperaturesfor example, one comparatively hot, if desired forfeedwater for'the boilers, and another comparatively cool for domesticpurposesand that when desired the cooling device hereinbefore describedcan be duplicated or multiplied and connected in series, so as to stillfurther reduce the temperature of the water. It will also be seen thatthe volume of the water of condensation will be largely augmented orincreased by the drip-water vaporizing with the steam and that thedrip-water will not be wasted, as heretofore; also, that by arrangingthe receiving ends of the coolingtubes as hereinbefore described aminimum amount of spray-water can be used, since there will practicallybe no waste.

In the last four figures of the drawings the deflectors are omitted fromthe distributingchamber B; but it is understood that they may be usedtherein, if so desired. The deflecting-chamber B in these figures has anapertured upper portion 27, as in preceding figures, and in additionthereto its base or bottom 26 in place of being imperforate, as in Figs.2 and 3, is perforated or apertured at various points, it beingunderstood that these perforations through the wall or walls of thechamber may be of any desired form, such as, for example, circular oroblong holes or slots. The retardation and acceleration of the flow ofsteam or other vapor through the portion 27 of the distributing-chamber(shown in Fig. 11) can be controlled by a valve 62, comprising atransversely-curved, perforated, or apertured plate formed to fitagainst and slide along the upper apertured portion 27 of the chamberBand having perforations or apertures corresponding with the apertures ofsaid upper portion of the distributing-chamber. The valve 62 can beadjusted longitudinally in any suitable way as, for example, by a lever63, attached to a rod 6a, which is in turn secured to the valve andoperating in the Way in which the lever for actuating thedeflecting-plates in Fig. 2 operates. The plate 62 may be within oroutside of the deflecting-chamber, it being preferably arranged thereinas illustrated.

The perforated or apertured valve of Figs. 11, 12, and 14 is arranged toslide along the perforated or apertured bottom 26 of thedistributing-chamber, and while it may be arranged under the bottom ofsuch chamber it is preferably arranged within the chamber, as shown. Theperforations of the plate which forms the Valve 65 also correspond withthe perforations or apertures through the bottom 26 of thedistributing-chamber.

Valves 65 can be adjusted by a lever 66, attached to a rod 67, which isin turn secured to the valve, whereby the latter can be shifted alongthe bottom of the distributing-chamber.

Where steam or other vapor under pressure is admitted to thedistributing-chamber B, the bottom of such chamber is preferably closedby adjusting valve 65 in a direction to bring its openings out ofregister with the openings through the bottom of thedistributing-chamber, and by adjusting the valve 62 the openings throughthe upper portion 27 of the distributing-chamber can be varied in areain accordance with the extent to which they are covered or uncovered bythe perforated or apertured valve 62. In this way steam or other vaporunder pressure can be permitted to expand within the distributingchamberto a degree determined by the adjustment of valve 62, and while thesteam or other vapor can be permitted to pass out from thedistributing-chamber at different points of outlet the flow of suchsteam or other vapor through the distributing-chamber and its flow fromsuch chamber can be retarded or accelerated by adjusting valve 62 inaccordance with requirements. Where a liquid is to be passed through theapparatus and cooled, the valve 65 can be adjusted so as to bring itsopenings into register with the openings through the bottom of thedistributing-chamber, and the openings through the remaining portion ofsuch chamber can be opened or closed, as desired.

In Fig. 11 the spray device is shown arranged-as in certain precedingfigures, and in this, as in said other figures, the end wall of thecasing A maybe provided with a hood or guard 68, arranged around the setof.

mouths or inlets for the pipes 11 and the passage 51 above and below thecooling device Q.

From the foregoing-described matters it will be seen that thedistributing-chamber is provided with outlets at different points,wherebya distribution of a fluid in either vaporous or liquid form overthe series of cooling-pipes may be insured, and that the Valves ordeflecting-plates 28, as well as the valve 62, serve to provide thedistributingchamber with means or a Valve device or arrangement wherebythe flow of steam or other vaporous fluid under pressure through thedistributing-chamber can be regulated and either retarded or acceleratedat will and in accordance with need; also, that the deflector-plates 28of the valve device 62, used either separately or together, will alsoserve to regulate the flow of other fluid, such as a liquid underpressure, but that where the fluid is in liquid form the bottom of thedistributing-chamber is preferably perforated and a perforated valveemployed in connection therewith. It will also be seen that the spraydevice may be connected with any suitable source of supply of liquidunder suitable pressure and at a suitably-reduced temperature and thatthe spray ejected from the spraying device can commingle with air atatmospheric temperature (or, if desired. at a previously-reducedtemperature) at the points where the air is drawn into the passages of acooling system, which to insure highly-effective and quick results iscomposed of a set or multiplicity of pipes or tubes. The air-currentstherefore practically pass through a spray of liquid at the points wherethey enter the tubes and are thereby further cooled preparatory topassing through the tubes, which are in a heated condition.

What I claim as my invention is 1. In an apparatus for condensingvaporous fluid, a distributing-chamber having outlets at differentpoints; suitable means for supplying the distributingchamber withvaporous fluid; and a condensing-chamber wherein "aporous fluiddistributed by the distributing-chamber is received and condensed, theoutlets of the distributing-chamber being arranged to disseminate thevaporous fluid over the area of the condensing-chamber.

2. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber;adistributingchamber arranged over the condensing-chamber andcommunicating therewith by perforations orapertures formed through itswalls at different points, said apertures being arranged to disseminatethe vaporous fluid over the area of the condensing-chamber; and suitablemeans for supplying the distributingchamber with vaporous fluid.

In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids; a condensing chamber; anoblong, t-ransversely'segmental distritinting-chamber arranged over thecondensing-chamber and communicating therewith by perforations orapertures formed at different points through its wall portions, wherebythe vaporous fluid is disseminated over the area of thecondensing-chamber; and suitable means forsupplying thedistributing-chamber with vaporous fluid.

4. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, a condensing-chambercontaining a cooling-pipe system and providing an area of space for theexpansion of the vaporous fluid; a distributirig-chamber provided atdifferent points with outlets arranged to disseminate the vaporous fluidwithin the expanding-space thus provided by the condensing-chamber; andsuitable means for supplying vaporous fluid such as steam to thedistributing-ehamher.

5. In an apparatus forcondensing vaporous fluids, a distributing-chamberhaving outlets at different points; suitable means for supplying thedistributing-chamber with vaporous fluid; an expandingchamber into whichthe vaporous fluid from the distributingchamber is disseminated; and acondensingchaniber wherein the expanded vaporous fluid from theexpanding-chamber is received and condensed.

6. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber;adistributingchamberarranged over the condensing-chamber and havingoutlets formed at different points; and an expanding-chamber arrangedbetween and communicating with the distributing and condensing chambers;and suitable means for supplying vaporous fluid to thedistributing-chamber.

7. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, a condensing-chamber;an oblong, transversely-segmental distributing-chamber arranged over thecondensing-chainber and provided with outlets formed at different pointsthrough the wall portions above its bottom; suitable means for supplyingvaporous fluid to the distributing-chamber; and expanding-chain berarranged between and communicating with the distributing and condensingchambers.

8. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributing-chamberadapted to permit an expansion therein of admittedvaporous fluid under pressure, and provided at different points withoutlets; a condensing-chamber; and an expanding-chamber communieatingwith and arranged between the distributing and expanding chambers andadapted to permit the further expansion of vaporous fluid which itreceived from the distributing-chamber.

9. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributing-chamber provided with a pressure-regulating device forvarying fluidpressure therein; suitable means for supplying'thedistributing-chamber with vaporous fluid; and a condensing-chamberwherein vaporous fluid frotn the distrihitting-chamber is received andcondensed.

10. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistrihitting-chamber provided with an adjustable valve device forretarding and accelerating the flow of vaporous fluid through suchchamber; suitable means for supplying vaporous fluid to thedistributingchamber; and a condensing-chamber wherein vaporous fluidfrom the distributing-chamber is received and condensed.

11. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids,adistributing-chamber having outlets at different points and providedwith an adjust-able valve device for retarding and accelerating the flowof vaporous fluid through such chamber; suitable means for supplyingvaporous fluid to the distributing'chamber; and a condensingchamberwherein vaporous fluid from the distributingchamber is received andcondensed.

12. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; adistributing-chamber arranged over thecondensingchamber, and having outlets formed at different points, andprovided with an adjustable valve device for retarding and acceleratingthe flow of vaporous fluid through such chamber; and suitable means forsupplying vaporous fluid to the condensing-chamber.

13. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; an oblong,

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transversely-segm ental distribu ting-chamber arranged over thecondensing-chamber and communicating therewith by perforations orapertures formed at different points through its wall portions; suitablemeans for supplying vaporous fluid to the distributing-chamber; and anadjustable valve device applied for retarding and accelerating the flowof vaporous fluid through the distributing-chamber.

1%. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributing-chamber connected with vaporous-fluid-supply passage, andadapted to permit the expansion of the admitted vaporous fluid, andprovided with an adjustable valve device for retarding the flow ofvaporous fluid through such chamber; and a condensing-chamber whereinvaporous fluid from the distributing-chamber is received and condensed.

15. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributingchamber provided with outlets at different points; suitablemeans for supplying vaporous fluid to the distributing-chamber; a valvedevice applied for retarding and accelerating the flow of vaporous fluidthrough the distributing-chamber and comprising adjustabledeflectorplates; and a condensing-chamber wherein vaporous fluid fromthe distributing-chamher is received and condensed.

16. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; a distributing-chamber provided with outlets at different pointsand arranged over and communicating with the condensing-chamber; and avalve device arranged within the distributing-chamber and comprising oneor more adjustable deflecting-plates.

17. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids,adistributing-chamber having perforated wall portions; a set ofadjustable, perforated deflector-plates arranged within thedistributing-chamber and adapted for retarding and accelerating the flowof vaporous fluid through the distributing-chamber; suitable means forsupplying vaporous fluid to the distributing-chamber; and acondensing-chamber wherein vaporous fluid from the distributing-chamberis received and condensed.

18. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributing-chamber provided with perforated wall portions; suitablemeans forsupplying vaporous fluid to the distributing-chamber; anadjustable, perforated valve device associated with thedistributing-chamber for retarding and accelerating the flow of vaporousfluid through the same; and a condensing-chamber wherein vaporous fluidfrom the distributing-chamber is received and condensed.

19. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, a shell or casing; acondensingchamber formed by the lower portion of space within thecasing; a perforated shell or casing arranged within the upper portionof such space within the casing and forming a distributing-chamber whichis relatively contracted to leave unoccupied space portions orpassageway between its perforated wall portions and the casing by whichit is inclosed; and suitable means for supplying vaporous fluid to thedistributing-chamber.

20. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributing-chamber having a perforated upper portion; suitable meansfor supplying vaporous fluid to thedistributingchamber;andacondensing-cham berarranged below andcommunicating with the distributing-chamber. v

21. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, a main shell orcasing; a condensing-chamber formed in the lower portion of such shellor casing; a distributing-chamber formed by a perforated shell or casingremovably arranged within the upper portion of the main shell or casing;and suitable means for supplying vaporous fluid to thedistributingchamber.

22. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; a distributing-chamber; having outlets at differentpoints; and one or more tilting deflector-plates arranged Within thedistributing-chamber and connected with a longitudinally-movableadjusting-rod.

23. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributing-chamber formed by an oblong,transversely segmental,perforated shell, connected at one end with a vaporousfluid-supplypassage; a series of perforated, segmental plates hinged Within thedistributing-chamber; an adjusting device for varying the angle of thehinged plates; and a condensing-chamber wherein vaporous fluid from thedistributing-chamber is received and condensed.

24:. In an apparatus for condensing or cooling fluids, a condensing orcooling chamber; a cooling-pipe system extending through the condensingor cooling chamber; an exhaust device for inducing a rapid flow of airthrough the cooling-pipe system; a spraying device for spraying liquidinto the air passing within the cooling-pipe system; and afluid-distributer provided with outlets at different points and arrangedover the cooling-pipe system and organized to disseminate the fluidwithin the chamber containing the cooling-pipe system.

25. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, a perforateddistributing-chamber connected with a suitable vaporous-fluid-supplypassage; a condensing-chamber provided with a cooling-pipe system; meansfor inducing currents of air saturated with a cooling liquid through thecooling-pipe system; and an expanding-chamberarranged between andcommunicating with the distributing and condensing chambers.

26. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, adistributing-chamber provided with outlets at different points andconnected with a suitable supply-passage; a condensing-chambercontaining a cooling-pipe system and arranged for receiving vaporousfluid from the distributing-chamber; and a valve device for retardingand accelerating the flow of vaporous fluid through thedistributingchamber.

27. In an apparatus for cooling-or condensing fluids, a perforateddistributing-chamber; suitable means for supplying the perforateddistributing-chamber with a fluid to be cooled or condensed; a coolingor condensing chamber wherein fluid from the distributing-chamber isreceived; a set of pipes extending through the cooling or condensingchamber; means for inducing fluid currents through the pipes; and anadjustable valve device for varying the discharge of fluid from thedistributing-chamber.

28. A cooling or condensing chamber provided with a cooling-pipe system;means for inducing a flow of cooling fluid through the cooling-pipesystem; a distributing-chamber arranged over the condensing-chamber andhaving a perforated bottom or under side portion; and an adjustableperforated valve for varying the areas of the perforations through thebottom or under side portion of the distributing-chamber.

29. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; a coolingpipe system extending through thecondensing-chamber; means forinducingcooling-currents of fluid throughthe cooling-pipe system; a distributing-chamber provided with outlets atdifferent points; and an expandingchamber arranged and communicatingwith the distributing and condensing chambers.

30. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; a coolingpipe system extending through thecondensing-chamber; means forinducing cooling-currents of fluid throughthe cooling-pipe system; a distributing-chamber provided with outlets atdifferent points; an expandingchamber arranged between and communicatingwith the distributing and condensing chambers; and a valve device forretarding and accelerating the flow of vaporous fluid through thedistributing-chamber.

31. A cooling or condensingchamber; aset of pipes extending through thecooling or condensing chamber; an exhaust device for inducing currentsof air through the pipes; a spraying device for directing liquid sprayto the air entering the pipes; a distributingchainber arranged over theset of pipes and comprising a perforated casing connected with afluid-supply passage; and an adj ustable valve device applied to thedistributingchamber as a means for varying the flow and discharge offluid.

32. In an apparatus for condensing or cooling fluids, a set of pipesopen at their ends and extending through the condensing or coolingchamber; means for inducing fluid currents through the pipes; and aspray device for directing spray to the receiving ends of the pipeswhich have their receiving ends expanded and grouped together to presentto the spray a group of mouths without intervening spaces.

33. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; suitable means for supplying vaporous fluid to thecondensing-chamber; a cooling-pipe system extending through thecondensing-chamber; means for inducing currents of air saturated withliquid through the cooling-pipe system; and means for reclaiming andtransferring such liquid to the supply of vaporous fluid passing to thecondensing-chamber.

3i. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids; acondensing-chamber; suitable means for supplying vaporous fluid to thecondensing-chamber, a cooling-pipe system extending through thecondensing-chamber; means for inducing current-s of air saturated withliquid through the cooling-pipe system; means for condensing the vaporwhich has passed out from the cooling-pipe system, and for collectingthe water of condensation; and an ejector supplied from themain supplyofvaporous fluid passing to the condensing-chamber and operating to takeup said water of condensation and cause the same to colnmingle with themain supply of vaporous fluid.

35. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, a condensing-chamberprovided with a cooling-pipe system and means for in ducing-currents ofair saturated with liquid through such system; a supply-passage forconducting the vaporous fluid on its Way to the condenser; a branchpassage leading from the supply-pipe passage; a vaporizing-chamberconnected with the branch passage to receive therefrom and connectedwith the sup ply passage to discharge into the same; means forcondensing vapor which has passed out from the cooling-pipe system and adriptrap for collecting the resulting Water of condensation; and anejector operated by vaporous fiuid passing through the branch pipe andarranged to take up water from the driptrap.

36. In an apparatus for condensing or cooling fluids, a condensing orcooling chamber; a pipe system extending through the condensing orcooling chamber; means for inducing fluid through the pipe system; and asupplemental cooling device through which liquid can be caused to passdirectly from the condensing-chamber.

37. In an apparatus for condensing or cooling fluids, a condensing orcooling chamber; a set of pipes open at their ends and extending throughthe condensing or cooling chamber; means for inducing currents of airthrough the pipes; a supplemental cooling chamber or passage about whichcurrents of air are induced by the means employed for inducingair-currents through the pipes; connection between the supplementalcooling chamber or passage and the condensing or cooling chamber; and aspray device arranged to direct liquid spray to points where the inducedaircurrents enter the pipes and passage-way about the supplementalcooling-chamber.

38. In an apparatus for condensing or cooling fluids, a condensing orcoolingchamber; a supplemental cooling device Q connected with adischarge passage leading from the condensing or cooling chamber; and acook or valve for directing liquid flowing from the condensing orcooling chamber and directing it to the supplemental cooling device.

39. Man apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, a condensing-chamber,and an oilcollecting device forming a passage-way for the ad mission ofexhaust-steam and compris ing a series of apertured hollow conesarranged one within another and set apart to form a set of compartmentswhich connect by way of the apertures through the cones to provide apassage-way for the exhaust-steam, the spaces between the conical wallsformed by such hollow cones being closed at their ends to cause theexhaust to circulate through said spaces and the apertures by which theyare connected.

40. In an apparatus for condensing vaporous fluids, acondensing-chamber; and an oilcollecting device forming a passage-wayfor the admission of exhaust-steam and comprising a shell having one endprovided with an inlet-pipe, and a series of hollow cones provided withapertures and arranged within the shell, the cones being set apart toprovide intervenin g spaces which connect by way of the aperturesthrough the cones, and which are otherwise closed by the junction of thelarger ends of the cones with the inner wall of the inclosing shell orcasing.

41. An apparatus for condensing or cooling WILLIAM S. OOLWELL.

Witnesses:

CHAS. W. MARSHALL, ALEXANDER GRANT.

